MY REVIEW:
Before I finished my very first novel by Karen Barnett, I knew I had found yet another author whose books I must have. I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to review them so far but I can assure you that if I happen to miss out on a blog tour, I will definitely purchase anything she pens. “Through the Shadows” met all my expectations and more.
The third book of Barnett’s Golden Gate Chronicles series, “Through the Shadows” takes place two years after the great San Francisco earthquake. The city is beginning to rebuild but many people have lost everything and the rich seem to get richer at their expense. Political corruption is rampant and an evil human slavery trade takes advantage of the innocents among the Asian community. It is to this volatile environment that young lawyer Charles McKinley comes to his uncle’s law practice because he wants to help others. Unfortunately his noble ambitions are squashed by the realities of his new job. Elizabeth King has also recently arrived in San Francisco hoping to atone for her mistakes by helping in a mission to the young rescued Chinese girls.
I loved this book! Elizabeth is just the kind of character I like – one who fights for the oppressed without a thought of her own danger, loving and loyal to those she cares for, yet fragile and wounded in spirit. Charles is the perfect hero also. He has such fine ambitions to help others and even when things do not go as planned, he always takes the high road. Working without sleep to prove himself worthy, he turned the other cheek time and again to those who wanted to undermine him and went out of his way to protect and serve those who needed him.
It was a joy to catch up with Elizabeth’s brother and sister as well as their spouses from the first two books of this series. Other familiar characters played important roles also. With plenty of drama, danger, misunderstandings, romance, and suspense, “Through the Shadows” held my attention through the end. It is a fine story of forgiveness and reconciliation plus learning to see ourselves the way the Lord sees us and accept his plans for us.
I am sorry to see this series end but I look forward to whatever Karen Barnett has in store for her readers next. I can’t wait!
A copy of this book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
As San Francisco rises from the ashes, an age-old battle looms between corruption and the promise of new beginnings.
The devastating earthquake is just two years past, but the city of San Francisco is still trying to recover. Destruction of this magnitude is not so easy to overcome-and neither are the past regrets shadowing Elizabeth King’s hopeful future.
Hoping to right her wrongs, Elizabeth dedicates herself to helping girls rescued from slavery in Chinatown brothels, even if it means putting her own life at risk to sneak through the gloomy alleys and rooftops where dangers lurk.
Putting her life on the line for a worthy cause is admirable. But opening her heart is even more terrifying. So when Elizabeth meets attorney, Charles McKinley—a man who dreams of reforming San Francisco’s crooked politics—Elizabeth begins to doubt: Can she maintain her pretense and hide her past? Or will her secret jeopardize both their futures?
Learn more and purchase a copy.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Karen Barnett is the author of “Beyond the Ashes,” “Out of the Ruins,” and “Mistaken.” Named the 2013 Writer of Promise by Oregon Christian Writers, Karen lives in Albany, Oregon, with her husband and two kids. When she’s not writing novels, she loves speaking at women’s events, libraries, and book clubs.
Find out more about Karen at http://karenbarnettbooks.com.
GIVEAWAY:
Enter to win a copy of Through the Shadows—five winners will be chosen! Click the image below to enter to win. The winners will be announced June 7th on Karen’s blog!
Thank you for taking the time to review Through the Shadows! I’m so glad you enjoyed the Golden Gate Chronicles. Writing this series has been a dream come true. :)